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AS Physics CIE Your notes

7.2 Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

Contents
Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

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Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

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Properties of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
In mechanical waves, particles oscillate about fixed points
The direction of oscillations with regards to the direction of wave travel determine what type of
wave it is

Transverse waves
A transverse wave is one where the particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of the wave
travel (and energy transfer)
Transverse waves show areas of crests (peaks) and troughs
Crests and Troughs of a Transverse Wave

Diagram of a transverse wave

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Examples of transverse waves are: Your notes

Electromagnetic waves e.g. radio, visible light, UV
Vibrations on a guitar string
These can be shown on a rope
Transverse waves can be polarised

Longitudinal waves
A longitudinal wave is one where the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of the wave travel
(and energy transfer)
Longitudinal waves show areas of compressions and rarefactions
Rarefactions and Compressions of a Longitudinal Wave

Diagram of a longitudinal wave

Examples of longitudinal waves are:

Sound waves
Ultrasound waves

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These can be shown on a slinky spring

Longitudinal waves cannot be polarised
You will have learned how to analyse the properties of a wave, such as amplitude and wavelength, Your notes
in “General Wave Properties”
The diagram below shows the equivalent of a wavelength on a longitudinal wave
Comparing Wavelengths of Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

Wavelength shown on a longitudinal wave

Exam Tip
The definition of transverse and longitudinal waves are often asked as exam questions, make
sure to remember these definitions by heart!

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Graphical Representations of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

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Worked example
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The graph shows how the displacement of a particle in a wave varies with time.

Which statement is correct?

A. The wave has an amplitude of 2 cm and could be either transverse or longitudinal.
B. The wave has an amplitude of 2 cm and has a time period of 6 s.
C. The wave has an amplitude of 4 cm and has a time period of 4 s.
D. The wave has an amplitude of 4 cm and must be transverse.
Answer: A
Step 1: Determine amplitude from the graph:
Each peak and trough is 2 cm away from equilibrium position on the graph, so amplitude is 2
cm
Step 2: Determine the time period:
4 seconds pass before the wave repeats its pattern again, so the period is 4 s
The amplitude of 2 cm and period of 4 s rules out options B, C and D
Step 3: Discuss whether the wave is transverse or longitudinal:
The x axis of this graph is time, so all that can be inferred is that the particle is displaced
periodically
This occurs if it a transverse wave or a longitudinal wave is causing its oscillations, as it is not
mentioned how it is oscillating relative to the direction of wave travel

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Therefore the wave could be transverse or longitudinal

Your notes
Exam Tip
Both transverse and longitudinal waves can look like transverse waves when plotted on a graph -
make sure you read the question and look for whether the wave travels parallel (longitudinal) or
perpendicular (transverse) to the direction of travel to confirm which type of wave it is.

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